The Rapibus Will Roll on October 19

"The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) Rapibus service will start this October 19," announced STO Chairman Patrice Martin with pride and emotion today as Sustainable Transportation Week (STW) kicked off.

"For the STO, sustainable transportation will take on its full meaning this fall," clarified Mr. Martin, explaining that "The Rapibus is a successful example of intermodal transportation that combines the use of buses in a high-frequency corridor, an intelligent mix with vehicles thanks to new incentive parking facilities located near De la Gappe and Labrosse stations, and last but not least, a 10 km bicycle path along the Rapibus route."

Soon the people of Gatineau will benefit from a public transit system that is unique in Quebec. "The Rapibus will certainly be a showcase for the Outaouais," added Mr. Martin.

An invitation to find out more about and try the Rapibus

The public is invited to find out more about and try the Rapibus for the very first time on the weekend of its grand opening this October 19 and 20. To mark this important occasion, the STO will offer free travel across its system. During the entire weekend, the STO will be at De la Cité station, where various family activities will be taking place. Welcome and information teams will also be at the various Rapibus stations. In addition, special information brigades will be on site to welcome and assist riders throughout the Rapibus' first week of operation.

Inauguration of the Rapibus bicycle path

The Rapibus bicycle path will be inaugurated on Sunday, October 20, attended by a large gathering of cyclists. "This is certainly an event not to be missed!" added the STO's chairman.

Simplified fares

The STO has also announced that starting October 1, a single, uniform fare structure for everyone will apply across the system. The Express and Interzone fares will be discontinued on October 1 to be replaced with the current regular fares. Service on these routes will continue until the Rapibus starts on October 19. Current reduced fares for seniors, students and members of the Fidélité and Employer programs, as well as for children, will remain.

Rapibus Plani-Bus

By Friday, the STO will putting a Plani-Bus on line at sto.ca that will have all the detailed Rapibus timetables. This will make it easy for riders to get a personalized trip itinerary based on the details they request. STO patrons will thus have everything at hand that they need to plan their future trips with the Rapibus.

"The Rapibus Plani-Bus is certainly the best tool to get the details for a trip, but the best way to discover all the benefits of the new system is simply to try it!" said Patrice Martin.

The STO looks forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20, to celebrate the grand opening of the Rapibus together. All the details of the activities marking the grand opening of the Rapibus will be announced over the next few weeks.

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